Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently expressed controversial views regarding his estranged transgender daughter, claiming she was “killed” by gender-affirming care. During an interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Musk characterized gender-reassignment surgery as “child mutilation and sterilization.” He revealed that his daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, began her transition during the pandemic at the age of 16.
Musk stated he felt misled into approving medical decisions for his child, suggesting that he was informed of potential suicidal tendencies, which contributed to his decision at the time. He criticized the procedures available to children who are not old enough to consent, aligning with Peterson in asserting that those who advocate for such treatments should face imprisonment. Musk, who has publicly shared his thoughts on family size and fertility, claimed he was not adequately informed that puberty blockers are essentially sterilization drugs, despite current medical understanding that these blockers do not directly impact fertility.
Expressing deep regret, Musk claimed he feels as though he lost his son, attributing his estrangement from Wilson to a trend he describes as “deadnaming,” indicating a sense of mourning for his previous relationship with his child.
These remarks came shortly after Musk announced a move of his companies, including Tesla, to Texas, in response to California’s AB1955, which restricts school notifications about transgender identifications to parents. Musk has faced accusations of promoting anti-trans views over the years.
In 2022, Wilson sought a legal name change and a new birth certificate, stating she wished to sever ties with her biological father. Musk has attributed the rift in their relationship to her education in a progressive school, as noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography of him. Over the past few years, Musk’s political stance has shifted significantly toward right-wing ideology, openly supporting figures such as former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance.